CVW

So I just got an invitation to a CVW, and ill most likely be going from Jan. 21 to 23rd; however I have a few questions. Is there anything I am susposed to wear and bring, and iv heard its good to bring things for the host cadet. What items would be good for that? I also got a letter saying I was scholastically qualified; does this really mean anything? USAFA is still my first choice but I live really close to Annapolis and I think seeing the academic environment and how the midshipmen live is going to be awesome!

So I just got an invitation to a CVW, and ill most likely be going from Jan. 21 to 23rd; however I have a few questions. Is there anything I am susposed to wear and bring, and iv heard its good to bring things for the host cadet. What items would be good for that? I also got a letter saying I was scholastically qualified; does this really mean anything? USAFA is still my first choice but I live really close to Annapolis and I think seeing the academic environment and how the midshipmen live is going to be awesome!

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My daughter went to her CVW in October. Make sure you take warm clothing. She took a sleeping bag instead of the linens/blanket. It worked out fine for her as we flew to BWI. Some of the parents on this message board recommended cookies for the middies she'd be "dragging" with. My daughter really was against that but, after much urging, she complied. Turns out they really appreciated that small token. It's going to be cold in Annapolis in January though so make sure you dress warm and have fun!

I'll defer to someone who's gone but I think most people take nice casual clothing (khakis or equivalent and collared shirt/sweater) to wear to class. While you can wear jeans, my personal view is that they may be a bit out of place when everyone around you is wearing a uniform. Workout gear (sweats, shorts) is good too and will double as something to wear at night in the hall and to sleep in.

I agree that it's a nice token to bring something to your hosts. It's definitely not required but will be appreciated. If you can bring something homemade (e.g., cookies, brownies, etc.), that's even better.

My son just got a letter today inviting him for a CVW, hoping to make the January one too! Although he's pretty sure he's going to sign and send in his letter accepting his appointment offer this week, so it maybe a mute point!

Since the Admissions office isn't open right now (and I'm just curious)...
I got an invitation to CVW as well, and am hoping to go in either January or February. Since I would be flying in (Baltimore), does USNA have a shuttle or anything? I looked around their website, but didn't come up with anything... Thanks!

Stay away from cabs. Airport shuttles are the way to go. Don't under/over dress. Khaki's and a collared shirt are great, along with something comfortable to wear when you're chilling in the hall. Sleeping bag is a good idea.

My son received a letter asking him to attend spring CVW. Couple of questions.
Does USNA evaluate the candidate during CVW
How many candidates get offers to CVW
Does this mean anything about his chances for appointment/

Our daughter also just received a letter inviting her to a CVW. This came a week after she received a nomination from our congressman (imagine how she felt opening the mailbox to find yet another thin white envelope from USNA admissions...). It looks like quite a few candidates received these same letters this week. Even though the letter specifically explains this "is not a guarantee that you will receive an offer of appointment" she can't help but to be hopeful. It is most convenient for her to go in Feb. but she could do Jan. Is there any advantage to going sooner rather than later?

My son received a letter asking him to attend spring CVW. Couple of questions.
Does USNA evaluate the candidate during CVW
How many candidates get offers to CVW
Does this mean anything about his chances for appointment/

Thanks

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There are differing views on whether candidates are evaluated. I've heard folks say yes and no. However, the PRIMARY purpose of CVW is for the candidate to experience USNA. IF there is any evaluation (and that's a big "if"), really the only thing they're looking for is someone who says that the only reason he/she is applying to USNA is b/c a parent wants him/her to, spends the entire WE badmouthing the military, etc. Other than that, it won't make any difference, if it even happens.

I don't know how many candidates are offered CVW -- it's capacity driven. Generally, it means you're a highly qualified candidate and is considered a positive in terms of your chances. That said, being offered a CVW does not mean that you'll definitely be offered an appointment.

The mid you are with fills out an evaluation sheet. Its very short, I don't know if admissions even looks at them but it does exist. Don't be stupid and piss off your mid and you should be fine. It asks whether or not the candidate would be a good midshipman which is impossible for a plebe to tell after 2 days of being followed around. Most just say, "yes, I believe so and so will be a good midshipman. Although I wasn't able to see him perform physically or academically, he seemed to have a positive attitude and understanding of the struggles he will face as well as the social skills necessary to work well in the academy environment." or "NO, he would be a terrible midshipman. His attitude/whatever is bad".

Act like you want to be there and get along with your mid and you should be fine. Don't be a tool. Don't be a joe. Flatter them and let them feel like everything they say about the academy is true. Keep your own opinions to yourself because no matter what you say he does no more about the academy than you. If he is being really negative, smile and nod and remember that if he is still there, it is because he wants to be there. You will meet a lot more than just your sponsor mid on friday night so if yours is a loser, talk one of the other plebes that comes by your room.

My child attended Summer Seminar and has an LOA (no nom yet, but hopeful), received a CVW invite in fall but couldn't go due to varsity sport schedule and just received another CVW invitation. Is it viewed as a negative if kids don't take advantage of CVW invititation? We are within a manageable driving distance of USNA.

Wannabe2013 is correct: sponsor mids fill out short evaluation sheets about their "drags", and as along as you're polite and friendly, you'll get a good evaluation.

For example, I was impressed with the candidate I sponsored because he was always polite, asked a lot of questions about USNA, was willing to get up early with everyone Saturday morning, and dressed in respectable, casual clothing.

On the other hand, I and everyone else in my company were completely disgusted with a candidate because he made some very arrogant and rude comments to a couple of the female plebes and didn't wake up until 1000 or so Saturday morning (if you go out and participate in Saturday Morning Training, though voluntary, it will probably make you look better). I was personally disappointed in this guy because he was from my home district.

My daughter is hoping for a CVW letter, she just got the "Scholastically Qualified" letter in the mail on Saturday. Her app was complete on 11/9 or thereabouts (there's a data point on how long it might take for your app to be reviewed and decided upon once it's complete).

There seems to have been a flurry of these CVW letter sover the last week or so.....so we wait!

Two questions I had:

1. Has anyone ever gotten an LOA after receiving the SQ letter?

2. Has anyone ever gotten NAPS/Foundation after receiving the SQ letter? (the first thing my daughter said after getting the SQ letter was "So I guess no NAPS then?")